Perth County – Influenza has arrived in Perth County. While there are currently fewer than five lab-confirmed cases of influenza, many people who are sick are not sick enough to be hospitalized and tested. Therefore, the lab-confirmed cases may only represent a small number of people who have the flu.
“The flu has been circulating in the province for the last few weeks so we are not surprised to see it here,” says Lorna Askes, Public Health Nurse. Flu season in Canada usually runs from November to April.
The Health Unit is urging people who are sick to stay home. “Staying home will help stop the spread of the flu to people who may be more susceptible to complications,” says Askes. People who are ill are especially urged to avoid visiting long-term care homes or hospitals until they are well again.
The flu shot is the best protection against the flu and is available through family doctors (for everyone aged six months and over) and pharmacies across Perth County (for people aged five and over). People without a family doctor can also call the Health Unit to book an appointment for a flu shot. This year, the FluMist nasal vaccine is available free for children ages two to 17; call your doctor’s office or pharmacy first to confirm availability of FluMist.
To help stay healthy this winter, the Health Unit advises all residents to take these simple precautions:
Get a flu shot
Wash hands thoroughly and often
Cough or sneeze into your sleeve
Keep surfaces and items disinfected
Stay home if you are sick.
For more information:
Call Health Line at 519-271-7600 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 extension 267